In a strong show of support for Dharmasthala and its revered temple, the Indian National Congress launched the ‘Dharma Vijaya Yatra’ on Wednesday. The march was organized to counter recent campaigns by the BJP, which accused the Congress-led government of conspiracy and mismanagement related to the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.
The yatra kickoff took place in Mysuru, with former minister and six-time MLA Tanveer Sait leading the event. Thousands of Congress workers and leaders, including MLA K. Harish Gowda, gathered in hundreds of vehicles as they set out for Dharmasthala.
Speaking to the media after flagging off the march, Tanveer Sait said, “The BJP is running these yatras to Dharmasthala out of fear that their conspiracy will be exposed. We are here to protect the true spirit of devotion. Our aim with the ‘Dharma Rakshana Yatra’ is to show that faith runs deep among crores of devotees across India, even those far from the temple. Recent allegations have hurt their sentiments, but an investigation is underway to uncover the truth.”
MLA Harish Gowda emphasized the purpose of the yatra, stating, “We are heading to Dharmasthala to reaffirm that there was no wrongdoing in the temple. The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Home Minister have set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure the temple’s reputation remains intact. Today, the SIT is working to find those who tried to tarnish the temple’s image.”
He added, “Our government and party want to prove that there’s nothing wrong in Dharmasthala. This is a victory for transparency and truth. We named this march the ‘Dharma Vijaya Yatra’ to celebrate this success.”
When asked about BJP’s accusations that the Congress government and CM Siddaramaiah are “anti-Hindu,” Gowda responded, “The BJP tries to claim ownership of Hinduism, but India is a secular country. People of all faiths — Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Jains — coexist peacefully. Religion should unite us, not divide us.”
MLA Sait highlighted the inclusive spirit of the party, mentioning, “KPCC Working President Tanveer Sait flagged off the yatra. Around 2,000 people are participating, reflecting our commitment to unity beyond caste and religion.”
This event marks a clear message from the Congress: they stand behind religious harmony and are committed to safeguarding the respect and integrity of revered Hindu sites like Dharmasthala.
